Coffee is more than caffeine in a cup. It also has potential health benefits too. The consumption of coffee goes back centuries.In 17th century England the popularity of the drink gave rise to a number of coffee houses which were dubbed ‘penny universities’, because with one penny a person could buy a cup of coffee and have intellectually stimulating conversations with other people

Although coffee is famously known for its caffeine, she has a much more impressive side. It’s one of the riches sources of Chlorogenic acid (part of the phenolic acid family/antioxidants) which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Coffee also appears to increase insulin sensitivity which means a lowered risk for type 2 diabetes. This is also suspected to be due to Chlorogenic acid.

A recent study has found caffeine has the same effect on the body’s cells as muscle contractions caused through exercise. And though they don’t recommend anyone opt for coffee over fitness, they are currently looking at more ways caffeine positively influences DNA. As an added bonus, caffeine has been shown to reduce pain during exercise which may help you get through that last set of lunges.

Many of us love coffee because it has the ability to keeps us on our game, but studies show that caffeine has a positive effect on memory and thought processes, too. In fact, a study that looked at mice with the equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease (who consumed caffeine-laced water) experienced a decrease in the levels of a protein in the brain that is associated with the disease.

Mix these 3 ingredients into your coffee and burn more fat:

Coconut oil

They don’t require bile to be broken down because they’re shorter than other fats and they’re transported directly to the bloodstream through your portal vein. All this means is that you can quickly get energy from medium chain triglycerides and your body won’t add them to your love handles (unless you’re consuming an overabundance of calories).

Honey

Honey technically has more calories than sugar. A teaspoon of honey has about 21 calories, while one of white sugar contains around 16 calories. The sugars in honey taste sweeter than those in white sugar, so you may use less honey than sugar when sweetening your coffee.

Because the sugars in honey are processed faster, they’re less likely to be converted into fats and stored in your body.

The sugars in honey have a lower glycemic index than those in white sugar, which means honey will have less of an effect on blood-glucose levels.

Cinnamon

One study found just half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can slow the speed at which the stomach empties following a meal, which can help control sharp rises and falls in blood sugar levels. Softening these sugar spikes can theoretically reduce cravings.

Excess sugar in the blood is normally converted to fat, adding to the existing fat stores. Cinnamon increases the metabolism, which means one would utilize more sugar, leaving little for storage.